Now, when you are done with mastering knit stitch, it is time to learn How to knit a Purl Stitch pattern – another basic technique that you can use every day. Purl stitching is used in many easy knitting projects suitable for beginners. When you knit with purl stitches, your garment has purl stitches on the right side and knit stitches on the wrong side (opposite side, sometimes called the left side).
If you do purl stitch knitting on both sides, turning your knitting, you’ll end up with garter pattern. On this sample, you can see the difference between the wrong side of the stockinette stitch on the top (with all purl stitches showing) and garter stitch (on the bottom). With continental style knitting, purl stitch is done very quickly and easily.
Let’s do some purl stitching!
Check your work. Continue with the rest of the purl stitches until you get to the end of the row. Purl the last stitch. One of the most common mistakes beginners would make is knitting too tight (not making loops big enough), especially when practicing purl stitch. Check your knitting often to make sure that all the stitches as are the same height and can easily slide back and forth on the needle.
How to knit a Purl Stitch – Easy Tutorial
This purl stitch knitting technique is very easy and when you master it, you can knit with your eyes closed. On the sample above, the garment is created by alternating purl and knit stitches and you are looking on the so-called ‘wrong’ side with just purl stitches.
If you continue just with the purl stitch knitting, you’ll have garter stitch which creates a stretchy garment of alternating knit & purl rows. When you are knitting flat (not on circular needles) you are turning your work to knit on both sides. The opposite side of the purl stitch looks like a knit stitch and vice versa.
Now you know how to Purl Stitches. Happy purling!
Here is an added bonus:
Easy Infinity Purl Stitch Scarf Pattern to try your new knitting skills
(it is a great pattern to practice & master your purl stitches & create a unique Christmas gift for someone special)
Materials:
(4 medium) skeins of organic wool yarn: ~ 290 yards (265 m) or any yarn of your choice
Knitting needles: 5.5 mm [US 9] Yarn needle
Instructions:
Cast on 24 sts.
Row 1 (right side): Slip 1st stitch, purl 23. (sl 1, p 23)
Row 2 (wrong side) and all remaining rows: Slip 1st stitch, purl. (sl 1, p 23)
Continue in garter stitch (purl every row) until scarf measures ~ 65 inches, or desired length for your infinity scarf.
Bind off. Stitch scarf ends together to close the loop using a tapestry needle. Weave in ends.
